Centre Affirms Protection for Aravalli Hills Amidst Mining Concerns

Post by : Mara Rahim

On Sunday, the Central government categorically rejected claims suggesting that a revised definition of the Aravalli Hills would permit extensive mining activities. Officials asserted that more than 90% of the region will stay under protection, emphasizing that mining regulations remain stringent. The update aims to bolster environmental safeguards rather than dilute them.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav addressed criticism from the Congress party and various organizations, labeling their assertions as based on false narratives. He emphasized that misinformation is being circulated regarding the recent modifications, which the Supreme Court reportedly endorsed to enhance protections for this delicate mountain ecosystem.

The newly approved criteria define regions rising 100 metres or more above the surrounding terrain, including associated slopes, as integral to the Aravalli range. Despite this, the government clarified that areas below this elevation are not open for mining activities. All hill systems, even the lower terrains enclosed by natural borders, will maintain their protected status.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized these developments, asserting that the new guidelines would jeopardize nearly 90% of the Aravallis’ protection. In response, government officials clarified that only a mere 0.19% of the entire Aravalli territory, approximately 1.44 lakh square kilometres, would qualify for mining, while the vast majority will remain safeguarded under rigorous environmental conditions.

Minister Yadav elaborated that regions situated within 500 metres of neighboring hills will also be considered part of the same hill system and safeguarded accordingly. He countered the misconception that mining could occur freely below the 100-metre threshold, affirming that even the low-lying areas of these hill complexes are protected.

Reports indicate that the Supreme Court demanded a uniform definition due to inconsistent mining regulations across different states. A government review noted that only Rajasthan has implemented a clear definition since 2006, prohibiting mining below the lowest contour of any hill.

Representatives from states like Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi have committed to adopting this framework with additional protections. New measures involve mandatory cartographic assessments by the Survey of India, recognizing adjacent hills as a single range, and establishing designated no-mining zones. The court has mandated a halt on new mining licenses until a sustainable mining framework is devised, while current operations must adhere to stringent regulations. Complete bans on mining remain in place for environmentally sensitive areas, except in exceptional cases deemed of national significance.